Before delving into the guts of your iPod, check to make sure the hold switch isn't activated. If the hold switch is on, the iPod will ignore any input on the click wheel and refuse to do anything. If your iPod's problem isn't so easily solved, read on.

If your iPod won't turn on, especially if it has not been used recently, you may simply have a drained battery. Plug your iPod into your computer or AC adapter and see if anything happens. Ideally your iPod will recognize it has been connected to a power source and charge its battery. If it will no longer charge, it must be replaced. Replacing the battery is very difficult (it requires soldering). If you are not confident in your soldering abilities, replace with a logic board/battery combination.

It's unlikely your headphones or speakers are bad, but it's worthwhile to eliminate these as the source of your problem at the beginning. Try your iPod with another set of headphones or speakers just to make sure that the problem is with the iPod.

Sometimes, a reset and restore will fix a sad iPod. Connect your iPod to your computer and use iTunes to restore the iPod. Restoring the iPod will erase everything on it, so make sure everything on the iPod is stored elsewhere prior to restoring. Sometimes it may be necessary to restore the iPod several times before it works properly. If you are unable to restore your iPod using iTunes, you can hard reset your iPod. iPod Nanos can be hard reset by booting while holding the menu and play/pause buttons. This should result in a quick dark screen followed by the standard Apple boot graphic.

One of the nice things about iPod Nanos is that their flash memory is nearly impervious to damage from dropping the iPod. Unfortunately, this also means that the memory is soldered to the logic board. Therefore, you must replace the logic board when an internal problem arises.

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It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Dear New Yorkers,

Right now, New York has a chance to pass the first Fair Repair bill in
the nation. We have a chance to guarantee our right to repair electronics—like
smartphones, computers, and even farm equipment. We have a chance to help
the environment and stand up for local repair jobs—the corner mom-and-pop
repair shops that keep getting squeezed out by manufacturers.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Massachusetts,

The people of Massachusetts have always stood up for their
right to repair. In 2012, voters passed a law that ensured
residents' right to repair their car wherever they wanted.
Now, it's time to do the same for electronics.

With the Digital Right to Repair Bill, H.3383, we have a chance
to guarantee our right to repair electronics — like smartphones,
computers, and even farm equipment. We have a chance to help
the environment and stand up for local repair jobs—the corner
mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed out by
manufacturers.

The Digital Right to Repair Bill requires manufacturers to
provide owners and independent repair businesses with fair
access to service information, security updates, and
replacement parts.

If you agree with us, find out who represents you in the
Massachusetts legislature. Tell them you support the
bipartisan Digital Right to Repair Bill. Tell them that you
believe repair should be fair, affordable, and accessible.
Stand up for the right to repair in Massachusetts.